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Psychedelic-Informed Therapy: Understanding Non-Ordinary States Within Therapeutic Work

Psychedelic-informed therapy is an approach to therapy that brings understanding of non-ordinary states of consciousness into clinical practice. This approach recognises that experiences with non-ordinary states can catalyse therapeutic material, requiring skilled therapeutic support that extends beyond basic integration work.

To see how psychedelic-informed therapy might support your journey, book an initial consultation with one of our psychedelic-informed therapists today.

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​What is Psychedelic-Informed Therapy?

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Psychedelic-informed therapy is an approach to therapy that brings understanding of non-ordinary states of consciousness into clinical practice. This approach recognises that experiences with non-ordinary states can catalyse therapeutic material, requiring skilled therapeutic support that extends beyond basic integration work.

 

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Core Principles

 

Therapeutic Understanding

  • Recognising how non-ordinary states can surface psychological material

  • Working skilfully with emerged content and experiences

  • Integrating multiple therapeutic approaches as needed

  • Supporting ongoing therapeutic process

  • Maintaining clear professional boundaries

 

Clinical Framework

  • Non-judgmental, curious therapeutic stance

  • Understanding of altered states experiences

  • Recognition of spiritual and existential elements

  • Integration with evidence-based approaches

  • Trauma-informed perspective

 

 

Therapeutic Process

 

Supporting Emergence

  • Working with surfaced psychological material

  • Processing newly accessible memories

  • Supporting emotional regulation

  • Addressing activated trauma responses

  • Facilitating meaning-making

 

Therapeutic Integration

  • Using appropriate therapeutic modalities

  • Supporting psychological processing

  • Working with body-based awareness

  • Addressing relationship patterns

  • Exploring identity shifts

 

Professional Practice

 

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Trauma-informed therapy

  • Somatic approaches

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Existential therapy

  • Cognitive approaches

  • Other evidence-based modalities

 

Clinical Considerations

  • Timing and pacing

  • Therapeutic containment

  • Risk assessment

  • Support systems

  • Crisis planning

 

Important Boundaries

 

Professional Ethics

  • Clear scope of practice

  • Professional limitations

  • Referral networks

  • Legal compliance

  • Risk management

 

Clinical Focus

  • Therapeutic processing

  • Psychological support

  • Emotional regulation

  • Integration of insights

  • Ongoing therapeutic work

 

Note: Our therapists provides therapeutic support within clear professional boundaries. We do not provide or facilitate access to substances, nor encourage their use. Our focus is on therapeutic support using evidence-based approaches.

Sign up to receive our True North Psychology newsletter and gain free access to our mental health related resources and educational content.

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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified mental health professional for personalised guidance.​​​​​​​​​​​

To see how psychedelic-informed therapy might support your journey, book an initial consultation with one of our psychedelic-informed therapists today.

References

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Levenson, J. (2020). Trauma-informed social work practice. Social Work, 65(2), 105-113.

Purkey, E., Patel, R., & Phillips, S. P. (2018). Trauma-informed care: Better care for everyone. Canadian Family Physician, 64(3), 170-172.

 

SAMHSA (2014). SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884.

 

Sweeney, A., Clement, S., Filson, B., & Kennedy, A. (2016). Trauma-informed mental healthcare in the UK: what is it and how can we further its development? Mental Health Review Journal, 21(3), 174-192.

van der Kolk, B. A. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.

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